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Edimer Raises $18M Series B Financing Led by NEA

07/30/2013

Edimer Pharmaceuticals, a biotechnology company focused on developing an innovative therapy for the rare genetic disorder X-linked Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia (XLHED), announced it has secured $18 million in Series B financing. The lead investor was New Enterprise Associates (NEA), with additional new investor Sanofi-Genzyme BioVentures, and previous investors Third Rock Ventures and VI Partners.

Edimer plans to use the proceeds from this financing to advance the later stage clinical development of EDI200, the company’s novel, proprietary, recombinant protein being developed for the treatment of XLHED. If fully developed and approved, EDI200 will be the first drug to treat the symptoms of this ultra-rare genetic disorder. In addition, Edimer will explore additional opportunities to leverage its expertise and leadership position in ecotdysplasin biology. Edimer is currently looking for women that know or suspect that they are carriers of XLHED who are pregnant or thinking of expanding their families. Male infants born with XLHED may be eligible to participate in the Phase 2 clinical study.

“We are thrilled to add NEA and Sanofi-Genzyme BioVentures to our investors. Both organizations are particularly committed to helping build transformative companies dedicated to developing treatments and ultimately cures for orphan diseases,” said Neil Kirby, Ph.D., President and CEO of Edimer. “Initiation of the neonate study represents a significant accomplishment for Edimer, our scientific collaborators and the patient foundations. This collective effort and support was instrumental in achieving our success to date.”

"We are pleased to provide our capital and expertise to help further accelerate the exciting progress Edimer is making toward potentially offering a breakthrough therapy for infants affected by XLHED,” said David Mott, a General Partner at NEA. “With this financing in place, Edimer is poised to begin testing its novel therapeutic in affected newborns in the near future, and to offer the first real potential progress against this serious genetic disease."

“We are very pleased to join Edimer’s investor syndicate,” said Bernard Davitian, Vice President and Managing Director, Sanofi-Genzyme BioVentures. “The team at Edimer has done an impressive job advancing EDI200 as a treatment for XLHED. We look forward to working more directly with them as they progress the drug candidate through the next phase of development.”

In connection with the financing, David Mott will join the Board of Directors. In addition, Board observers from NEA, Third Rock Ventures, Sanofi-Genzyme and VI Partners will add to the considerable orphan drug expertise already represented on the Board.